Eugene, Oregon

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Eugene, Oregon is located towards the south end of the Willamette Valley. Prior to the 19th century, the Kalapuya peoples inhabited the Willamette Valley. Sadly, according to Eugene S. Hunn’s Nch’i-Wana, “The Big River”, “as many as 90% of the Kalapuya may have died as a result of” a fever and ague epidemic which swept the Willamette Valley between 1830 and 1833.

In 1846, Eugene Franklin Skinner built the first cabin in the area, which would come to be named after him. This cabin was officially registered as a post office on January 8th, 1850. Originally known as Skinner’s Mudhole, it was relocated in 1853 and renamed Eugene City. Eugene City was officially incorporated on October 17th, 1862. It wouldn’t be known as Eugene until 1889, however.

Today, according to a 2014 US Census Bureau estimate, Eugene has a population of 160,561 people. This makes it the 155th most populous city in the country. The Eugene-Springfield, Oregon metropolitan statistical area (MSA), according to that same 2014 Census Bureau report, has a population of 356,212 people. This makes it the 146th most populous metropolitan statistical area in the United States.

Eugene, Oregon, is world famous as the birthplace of several multinational corporations. These corporations include Nike, Taco Time, and Broderbund Software.

Today, Eugene’s economy is best known for wood products manufacturing, recreational vehicle manufacturing, and local organic food processors. In fact, Eugene has served as the headquarters for Organically Grown Company since 1978. Organically Grown Company is “the largest distributor of organic fruits and vegetables in the northwest.” Other food processors based in and around the Eugene, Oregon area include Golden Temple (Yogi Tea), Merry Hempsters and Springfield Creamery (Nancy’s Yogurt & owned by the Kesey Family), and Mountain Rose Herbs.

The largest employer in Eugene, however, is the University of Oregon, which is responsible for 4,847 jobs. The University of Oregon, which was founded in 1876, is a public flagship research university. The University of Oregon (or UO) holds a Carnegie Classification of “highest research activity”, containing 21 research centers and institutes. In fact, UO “offers 316 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.” These include the Robert D. Clark Honors College, best known as the oldest honors college in the United States. As of 2015, UO has a $719 million endowment, with 24,125 students enrolled into its various programs.

The University of Oregon’s sports teams, known as the “Ducks”, participate in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 league. The Ducks have 33 total National Championships (29 of which are NCAA National Championships) to their names. Their football teams, who play at Autzen Stadium, have lost two national championships in the last six years.

Elsewhere in Eugene’s sports scene, the city will host the 18th Track and Field World Championships in 2021. Eugene is also home to several professional sports teams. Baseball’s Northwest League’s Eugene Emeralds play in PK Park. The Emeralds are a Chicago Cub farm team. They have four league titles to their names. International Basketball League’s Eugene Chargers play in the Morse Event Center. Northern Pacific Hockey League’s Eugene Generals play in the Lane County Ice Center. Lane United FC play in the USL Premier Development League and their home pitch is at the Willamalane Center.

Own a small business in the Eugene area? Are you considering it? These resources may help you in that endeavor: